870 Barrel Replacement

[thumbtack]

I have a Rem 870 Wingmaster and I need to replace the barrel. Now, I see 870 barrels available all over the internet but some have different names like 870 Express, 870 Special Purpose, and then some just say 870.

Are these barrels interchangeable or do I need to get one that says 870 Wingmaster?

 

[Dave McCracken]

Within gauge and with very minor exceptions, all 870 barrels interchange.

The exception, barrels for the 870 Competition Trap gun, a variant that uses gas vented off like an auto to reduce kick. Scarce and unlikely to turn up.

The Express stuff has a matte blue finish, they do not not polish the metal as much before bluing. The WMs are polished.

Why do you need a barrel and what do you plan on doing with that WM? Any finish barrel will work if you do not mind the looks.

 

[thumbtack]

Why do you need a barrel and what do you plan on doing with that WM? Any finish barrel will work if you do not mind the looks.

I blowup the orginal barrel.

My main use will be for 3 gun comp, and I may in time do a little hunting with it in areas that dont allow rifles.

Thanks for the info Dave

 

[Johnpl]

In addition, 870 Special Field barrels will not fit on a standard 870.

 

[Mannlicher]

I have become very partial to Hastings barrels. They make several that will fit that 870.

 

[Lone Star]

Thumbtack-

Will you tell us why you think the original barrel "blew up" and how old the gun was, and whether there was an obstruction (mud, snow, etc.) in the barrel?

Thanks,

Lone Star

 

[thumbtack]

Lonestar,


There was an obstruction in the barrel about seven inches down from the muzzel. This shotgun was one that my mother got during a divorce and it is my personal opinion that my ex-stepfather put something in the barrel. Now I dont have any proof, that is just my gut feeling, he was a real nice guy. I should have checked it over before shooting considering the person that last had it. :banghead:

It remained in my closet for about 10 years and then a couple of years ago I got it out and cut the barrel down some, trying to get it usable again. Then I was educated on the legal length requirement and then threw the orginal barrel in Lake Lewisville just to be on the safe side.

 

[Lone Star]

Thumbtack-

Thanks for your candor. As you may know, Remington had some lawsuits over the "marraging" steel they used in older barrels.

I just wanted to be sure that your accident wasn't due to inferior steel. Frankly, I think that most of the problems were due to people not checking their barrels before loading their guns, or stumbling and getting mud or snow in the muzzles. However, a Remington man assured me a couple of weeks ago that they now do use better steel, to increase the safety margin.

I have a M870 Wingmaster located at a local dealer, and will probably get it in a couple of weeks, when I can fit it into the budget. It's disgusting how few dealers carry new Wingmaster 870's; they tend to stock just the cheaper Express grade of the model. Apparently, most customers for pump guns are looking for bargains; the ones with more cash want autos. I'm willing to pay for a better appearance, as I feel guns should be beautiful as well as efficient.

Lone Star

 

[Old&Slow]

Lone Star

Just picked up a Wingmaster 870 12 Ga. that looks unused.

New to Shotguns, so I wonder if this gun can be dated, serial # S28937XX.

Should I be concerned about the steel issue ?

Thanks

 

[ChristopherG]

Thumbtack--
email sent.
ChristopherG

 

[Lone Star]

Old & Slow-

No worries, Mate! (I've been watching entirely too much Steve Irwin on the telly...)

I called Remington about a week ago and discussed this with a man who used to be in the repair dept. before he moved on to another position in the company.

He said that Remington's position is that the barrels that burst, resulting in lawsuits, were the result of excessive handloads and/or barrel obstructions, which can blow up ANY shotgun. Nonetheless, Remington went to better steel, which gives me more confidence. He definitely added that older barrels are okay, though.

HOWEVER...for peace of mind, you can call Remington, and give them your serial number. They can then tell you when the gun was made, and whether you can install a new, stronger barrel.

I don't know if they want me posting their 'phone number on the Net, which would result in a lot of calls, so look for it in the index of any recent issue of, "Gun Digest" or its sister titles. Or, call the operator. The company is now in Madison, NC, and they DO have an 800 number, with links to Customer Service and other divisions.

My guess is that they'll tell you the gun is fine, as long as it's in good condition. But the call will ease your concerns, and "800" calls are free.

Remember, the M870 was introduced in 1950, and we didn't hear any of this legal stuff until...what?...the 1980's? So, the barrels can't have given too much trouble, given the enormous number of M870's sold.

Lone Star